Top 5 Hybrid Pickleball Paddles of 2024 (Comparison of best power, spin, control and pop)

[@jaycee154]

Played with the Vatic Pro Saga for the first time yesterday and love it. Not a fan of poppy paddles, the Saga performed exceptionally well at the net on dinks and resets. What I really like is I can rip topspin power drives and it will stay in play, unlike my R2 Ripple that usually sails out. My J2K is still my go to paddle, but with a couple more days with the Saga, it may replace the J2K.

[@ArianaWilson-]

Thanks for your sharing. Both the Flow Prime and HUDEF MAGE Pro Gen2 are my favorite.

[@jasongunawardena1360]

I would get the Mage but the 5.3” handle is too short for my liking. But their warranty is the best.

[@DroidX1337]

Heads up flow prime X is going for $100 right now for Black Friday, such a good deal!

[@DroidX1337]

Waiting for my Saga and Flow Prime X to come this week. Should have both by Saturday can’t wait! Great video!

[@kimleith1378]

Really liking my SAGA. Only CON is the face gets very dirty very fast. Does clean up tho.

[@ron2368]

Its nice to see so many high quality paddles that are sub $150. I have had the plain old J2 for about a year and hardly touch my 3 other paddles.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Always good to have top tier options at good prices

[@ernest4483]

Another great content and Top hybrids comparison Jacob , so far I'm liking the Saga Flash SH so far I have put it 2+ hours playing time on the Saga Flash SH while playing with my novice league , just purchased the Spartus Olympus is coming this week can't wait to play with the Olympus

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Awesome! Glad you are enjoying them

[@cardinals5516]

Excellent video! Those are all awesome paddles. Thanks for giving weight setups for tape and balance pods.

[@thelesabbott]

Please review the new Engage Pursuit V2.0. Their new Hybrid paddle. I already bought it and love it. It will stack up well with these. Mine was a ridiculous 7.55 oz so weight is needed but swingweight is sub 112. Power and pop are top tier and is still very controllable. 15.2mm thickness is perfect for Engage core which is same as the Pursuit pro series. Great job on this video.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Thank you, I appreciate it. I would love to review Engages new lines

[@LeprechaunGinger]

Really enjoy your channel, especially as a Lions Fan!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Thank you

[@DianSusiana98]

Good job. This is a nice cabinet for paddles. Like the J2K and HUDEF MAGE Pro Gen2.

[@AlanChang1]

Thanks for the hybrid shape comparison. I'm still enjoying my J2K pro looking for next thing. I am hoping for a slightly longer handle but may switch to try an elongated next if I cannot find a hybrid one with longer handle

[@MattyRut2922]

Nice round up! I’m going to try the Saga today, super excited to try it.

[@christianeprice]

Man, I wish you could’ve included the invader and tell us about it but this is a great format. I love the comparisons so appreciate the info and all you do.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Thank you! Invader will be late still don’t have it but I’ll compare it when I review it.

[@christianeprice]

⁠@@AllDriveNoDropPickleballoh a Oh and apes pulse s! And new ripple r1 want to know how diff than my beta and I still have big fondness for mark 1 something about Kevlar blend is special. Love alpha 1 too. You’ll have to do part 2❤

[@nickvasquez2911]

@@christianeprice Agree...Carbon and Kevlar weave is my favorite.

[@christianeprice]

@@nickvasquez2911so plush! Great touch! Why aren’t there more like it

[@mlee9049]

​@christianeprice John Kew has a recent video that briefly discusses the Ripple post beta changes. The ripples on the surface are gone, it has additional carbon fiber reinforcement on the inside. And can you believe believe it plays even hotter out the box.

[@juansantiago1441]

What’s your weight setup/ recommendation for the J2k? I have one but, I’ve never liked mine not sure what everybody likes about it. It feels like an ok paddle to me.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Lucky for you , I show it in the video!

[@juansantiago1441]

@ watching it… I guess it could be I like poppy paddles. Since I prefer the Olympus and my Tko/ALW over J2K feel.

[@juansantiago1441]

Comparing the Olympus to the Saga… would you say it’s like comparing the Ruby to the J2k? Both have power but the main difference is the pop? I’m interested in the Saga but not sure if It’s the right paddle for me, since I prefer poppier paddles like the Bantam 12.7mm line. I do like my Olympus a ton with your weight setup.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

@ If you love the Olympus nothing on the list will be an upgrade for you. As for your first question I wouldn’t say that comparison is a big enough difference to be analogous.

[@RokuX51]

My J2Ti comes today! After a lot of research it seems like the best paddle to me rn. Very well rounded with great feel. Can't wait to use it soon 🔥

[@49dubs]

I just got it too. Need to try it out soon! Changing it up from a prism flash

[@atua3603]

Any updates?

[@49dubs]

@@atua3603 loving it so far. Plush but plenty of putaway power

[@davidjackson9519]

Great Review-I'm in the market for one of these. I wish we could have added to new Selkirk Vanguard All Court. With their lifetime warranty, I wonder how it compares? Thanks for the video.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Hey David, I haven’t had the opportunity to try that one.

[@AlaricBishop1993]

This video is very detailed and very helpful for me to buy a paddle.

[@fabioconceicao3315]

Great video Jacob! I’ve been tempted to buy the Olympus but I’ve heard that some people are having problems with the edge guard coming off and it breaking so I’m hesitant to. I came across a paddle that’s made in your neck of the woods which is a Thompson paddle. I was wondering if you would be interested in reviewing it. Take care and keep on making videos!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Hey, it looks like Spartus is doing a great job fixing the issue and they have been great replacing paddles with issues. I have talked to Thompson still waiting on them.

[@fabioconceicao3315]

@ I’ve heard that the Thompson paddle has a lot of spin. I think that this could be the next direction paddle companies will go in to since power is being capped off. Do you notice a difference in spin between a with 2400 RPM versus a paddle with 2000 RPM? Thanks for your quick response.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

@ very slight difference and I would imagine most wouldn’t notice the difference

[@fabioconceicao3315]

Hi Jacob, I took advantage of the Black Friday sale and bought the Olympus. Oh my god! I played tonight with it and it’s hands down the best paddle I’ve ever used! I can’t wait to get back on the court and play again with it! Thanks for giving it a great review. Take care.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

@@fabioconceicao3315 let's gooooo!

[@ThisAZNKyd]

With the flow prime x being one of the newest releases on here, i was hoping to hear a little bit more of your thoughts on it and what to expect from it. I got it on the Black Friday sale for my girlfriend since she liked the shape of my j2k but the feeling off the face of my Monarch All Court, plus the Neonic Flow Prime X in Rose Gold is just very aesthetically pleasing for her lol.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

I hear you. I’m trying to give the comparisons with mini summaries under 20 minutes.

[@vanillaghetto]

Thanks, this was great. Would the J2K 14mm make the list? And if so, how would it compare? Thank you!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

If we talk strictly performance I prefer the Olympus if looking for a pop upgrade compared to the J2K. J2K14mm is still good if you want the great price and sticking with the Honolulu Paddle Company.

[@vanillaghetto]

@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball I'm not brand loyal at all, and care about performance over price. So, I think that what you're saying is that you prefer the Olympus out of all of them, and prefer the 16mm J2K over the 14mm? Thank you so much! ...and I should probably add that I'm rather new to pickleball (but athletic and played some tennis and ping-pong) and don't really know what I want. I'm very open to your expert suggestions/opinions. 😁👍🙏

[@UncleWookie]

Honolulu paddles seem really good. Around 1.5 mph less compared to the top paddles and they also rule the spin and control categories.

[@Olorin323]

Awesome video! I love the detailed weight setups and conparisons! Is there a wide body and elongated version coming?!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Maybe 🤔

[@biagiosguera8918]

looking for the perfect hybrid, have been playing with Olympus, great but has control issues even with weight (my Mod TA-15 stock is easier to control and is way too much), received the J2K today and getting the Flow Prime X tomorrow. I didn't by the Flare Prime X as I am power heavy and the reviews so far on the Flow have been very mediocre. I love how my Paddletek TKO-CX 12.7 grabs the ball, not to soft but feels like it pockets it. Can you tell me (obviously doesn't have top tier power and I can generate my own) how the Flow's surface compares to some of the paddles mentioned? I am stuck at 4.0+ and looking to move away from super power paddles as they are trapping me in having too much fun, but at the expense of getting to 4.5. I truly value your opinion and FANTASTIC, honest reviews and your weight set ups are spot on, I follow them to the T and they work. Thank you.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

The Flow has pretty good dwell time if that is what you are looking for. With weight it has great touch and control I think you will enjoy it. Sounds like what you are looking for. I appreciate the kind words!

[@luke9822]

The paddle looks awesome, but I wish those Sword and Shield paddles didn't have such bad branding. I'm not usually super picky about the look, but for whatever reason their paddles are unappealing in how they look to me, especially with that sword and shield logo.

[@jnfriesen1]

I love the Olympus with 3 grams of tungsten on each side(just above the throat)

[@north-kitsap-pickleball]

Great stuff! I hope you can get the BnB Invader soon and compare it to he J2Ti since it is the same shape and surface material. The J2K is still hard to beat!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Yep, I’ll have it soon

[@ryrysinger]

Can’t wait to see your thoughts on The Invader!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Probably within the next 2 weeks

[@biagiosguera8918]

Forgot to add, would I be better of with Flare Prime X over the Flow Prime X, currently main Paddletek TKO-CX 12.7 and handle and love it, looking for a tone down in power and want to gain some control and maneuverability. I think I ordered the wrong Neonic, please advise :). Again, great job and you have a new subscriber!!!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Appreciate it. Big difference coming for the TKO-CX 12.7. If you want the most similar with a little toned down then yes the Flare Prime X would be a better option. They are coming out with a Flow Prime X 14mm but when I don’t know.

[@CyberSonic157]

What do you think about the R1 Nova though? Do you think it might be the best hybrid control paddle out there?

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

R1 is an elongated shape. The Nova series offers great control. I would still prefer the J2K and J2Ti in regards to control over the Novas

[@CyberSonic157]

@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Gotcha. Ronbus classifies the R1 Nova as a hybrid shape according to their website. I personally feel the pop on the J2K is too high to lean on the control oriented spectrum.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

@ Yeah, for that reason I wanted to highlight the J2Ti as well. Pop is interesting because some like a little bit more pop for resets so the paddle does more of the work for you and some don’t

[@AkaAloo]

Its interesting to see the Fire over the Shapeshifter. Have you had a chance to hit with the newer HX shapeshifter?

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Yeah, I have it is a good all court paddle.

[@paxavery]

How do you think the Apollo Spartus and Saga Flash compare on pop? I love my Apollo but want a little more finishing power.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Safa Flash has a little more pop than the Apollo with a lot more finishing power

[@paxavery]

@ gotcha, thank you

[@pnvsatya]

Great video… J2K vs Volair M2 Forza vs Vatic Pro V7 Prism which one to choose please?

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

J2K!

[@pnvsatya]

@ Thank you… J2K 14mm or 16mm?

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

@ 16mm

[@sethmerrill]

FYI: The "S" in the SH handle length for Vatic Pro paddles stands for "standard," not "short."

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Fair point, I have heard so much short and long handle talk I think it is easier to differentiate that way.

[@scottsmedley6650]

Don’t think that’s correct. SH and LH does designate the handle length… which is why it is shown on both the Flash and V7 shapes

[@sethmerrill]

@@scottsmedley6650 I never said it didn't designate handle length. I'm just saying SH stands for "standard handle," not "short handle," because that's what it says on Vatic's site.

[@sethmerrill]

@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball It's an easy mistake to make! There's no consistency among reviewers. Vatic does call it "standard" on their site. I just think using the "short" label for handles 5" and below makes more since-from the standpoint of a consumer (especially players with smaller hands, like women), if I was expecting a Vatic Pro SH paddle to have a short handle I would be unpleasantly surprised.

[@keithhoisington7810]

Nice shirt

[@dinryu]

How does the J2K's handle compare to the Saga's SH? I was wondering if it was just the "usable handle" vs what it's stated like my ESQ has a little more usualbe handle than my J2K even though both are stated as a 5.5" handle.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Just compared it. Saga has a slightly more room than the J2K because of the neck taper

[@dinryu]

@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Thanks so much

[@mr.mr.3301]

Now we need to add the Pulse and Invader

[@petertran7360]

Have you ever tried the Shogun? I am also thinking of grabbing the invader by BnB

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Yep, love the Shogun and I expect the Invader will be great. Should have it soon.

[@mitamiyaguyrc7825]

Great review. Pulse S just not good enough to make the list? Thx

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Close, it almost made it

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Close, it almost made it

[@mitamiyaguyrc7825]

@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Thx. Love the channel. I’m in MI as well. Hope to see you on the court someday. Happy Holidays.

[@Ri_Guy]

What code do I use for the discount on J2K?!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

AllDriveNoDrop-kevlar

[@alanpranke3299]

Go Lions from a Packer fan. To date myself, watch out for Alex Karras!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Wow sounds like we have a Packers to Lions conversion welcome to the new kings of the north

[@alanpranke3299]

@@AllDriveNoDropPickleball Hee Hee Haw, No Way! My wife was born in Detroit, my father in law was a tremendous Detroit fan-game on the TV, another on the radio, all while reading the Sporting News. I'm happy with any North team going deep into the playoffs - even the stinkin Vikes. A dear elderly friend I helped out loved the Tigers. I'll always pull for THEE Wolverines over thee Buckeyes. And, well, yeah, I'll be pulling for the Lions in the Super Bowl - after/if the Pack fails! No Pickleball on Sunday!!!!

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

@ let’s gooooo!

[@PhoenixRugerRedBird]

To each their own, but I'm sticking with my Thrive Azul! It's not fantastic in any 1 category (power, spin, control, pop), but very good in all categories. I love the look to it as well. IMO, Sword & Shields branding is awful.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

For sure, top 5 is different for everyone

[@markwexy1621]

Which of these 6 is your personal favorite to play with?

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Olympus and J2K

[@LouisBrown19]

Great list. How about Pickleball Apes Pulse?

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Close, it almost made it

[@setrazy]

Knocks the J2K out of the water imo! Played with both, never understood the J2K hype

[@TheTitaniumXx]

Olympus 💯💯💯

[@kylepickleball]

So you haven't played with the Pickleball Apes Pulse V

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Left Eminem off my top 5 too

[@pauljohnmarcelino2121]

Are there any Pros that use hybrids?

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Augue Ge uses the Vatic Prism Flash. Six Zero pros use some as well

[@timkadom1722]

Bummer the Pulse S was not in the lists…

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Not being on the list doesn’t stop you man.

[@yoJuicy]

No 3s, Ripple, Pulse, forza mach 2?.

[@AllDriveNoDropPickleball]

Top Hybrids